A former scam artist, Frank Abagnale Jr., is interviewed in this article about his time in federal prison for posing as a pilot and doctor. His life is also featured in the movie, “The Innocent Man.” While serving time for his crimes, he met his wife and went on to become a doctor. He even managed to steal millions from banks.
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IQ test doesn’t measure phronesis or common sense
An IQ test measures a person’s cognitive abilities, but it does not measure phronesis or common sense. While common sense is an important part of intelligence, IQ tests do not measure this aspect of human behavior. While common sense is universal, IQ tests only measure performance on a test designed to measure intelligence. Fortunately, there are other methods of assessing common sense, which we will discuss below.
IQ tests are often misinterpreted and used in the wrong way. They actually measure several skills, including fluid reasoning, verbal comprehension, and working memory. But, the best way to interpret the results of an IQ test is to use them as a measure of general intelligence. Generally speaking, an IQ test should be used as a means to judge an individual’s abilities, rather than as a determining factor in their personal development.
Frank Abagnale was a check forger
The arrest and conviction of Frank Abagnale for check forgery brought him national attention. The criminal began his criminal career at age 16, when he posed as a pilot and boarded 250 planes in 26 countries. He allegedly wrote over $2 million worth of bad checks in his lifetime, and he later gave fraudulent advice to countless financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies. Abagnale was so successful, in fact, that he even appeared at an AARP convention to give tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
While still a teenager, Abagnale travelled nearly one million miles and took on the identities of a doctor, attorney, and college professor. He eventually became a master check forger and defrauded banks of millions of pounds. When he was finally caught, he was wanted in 12 different countries. He served six months in a Swedish jail before being deported to the United States. He was sentenced to twelve years in prison but was allowed to leave prison if he would cooperate with the FBI.
He impersonated a doctor
The first time the FBI put a man on the Ten Most Wanted list was when Frank W. Abagnale allegedly impersonated a doctor. He forged driver’s licenses and overstated schooling to gain better paying employment. However, he was only scraping by. Abagnale racked up hundreds of bogus checks and overdrew his bank by thousands of dollars. Once the FBI caught him, he went underground.
The movie was based on the true story of Frank W. Abagnale Jr. who posed as a doctor, Louisiana parish prosecutor and Pan American World Airways pilot. He claimed that his impersonations would save his life. In total, Abagnale had eight different identities and had escaped from police custody twice. The film has a few shocking scenes of Abagnale and his criminal activities.
He stole millions from banks
Abagnale’s crimes began in the 1960s when he forged checks and transferred $2.5 million to various accounts in over 26 countries. In 1969, he was caught in France and extradited. He served his time in France’s House of Arrest, where he was denied access to running water, toilet, or electricity. He served his sentence in prison while residing in a cell with no windows or running water.
A teenager with a penchant for fraud, Frank Abagnale, Jr., spent years impersonating professionals to steal money from banks and avoid arrests around the world. After repaying his debts to society, he went straight and has become an expert in fraud and forgery. He has been associated with the FBI for 35 years and has consulted with financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies on fraud prevention.
He was a fugitive on the run
In 1980, FBI agents arrested fugitive Frank Abagnale, who was living a series of lives as an impostor. Abagnale, a former airline pilot, pretended to be a doctor in Georgia, a lawyer in Baton Rouge, and a professor at Brigham Young University. He raked in $2 million in bad checks in over 26 countries while posing as a doctor. The fugitive was also a father of two daughters and a professor at Brigham Young University. He pretended to be a teenager in many of these identities, and authorities were pursuing him from all of his life. The movie, which starred Abagnale, won tons of awards and many nominations for its story.
After serving five years in federal prison, Frank Abagnale was able to escape through a plane crash in France. He posed as a doctor and pilot to get money. In the process, he cashed $2.5 million worth of bad checks. In 1981, he was wanted in all 50 states and 26 countries. His evasion was uncovered by a flight attendant in France, who spotted him trying to get into the plane.
He wrote a book about his life
Frank Abagnale Jr. was born in Bronxville, New York. He was one of four children, and grew up Catholic. He credits his parents and parochial school for giving him the moral bearings he has today. Abagnale never swore, never smoked, and rarely broke the speed limit. He wrote a book about his life in 1980, but the author changed many facts to make the book less scathing.
In 1977, Abagnale appeared on Tom Brokaw’s “Today Show” and was invited to appear on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. The segment was set to last six minutes. Abagnale was asked to appear on the show more than once, and he was given a permanent position in the CIA. However, he later went underground and was arrested for his crimes.